The Jami Mosque is also known as Juma Mosque (Juma means Friday) in Tashkent. History tells some interesting events related to this mosque. The old town of Tashkent has several historical monuments and modern buildings. The Jami Mosque is the third biggest mosque. It was built in 819 by the Emir Yahya ibn Asad, he was appointed by the Arabs. He had conquered and ruled Uzbekistan during those times. The Jami Mosque is only an example of courtyard-type mosque in entire Uzbekistan. When Arabs invaded the city and mosque had been completely destroyed.
Whole Shashkent (Modern day Tashkent) was reconstructed only because the mosque had to be reconstructed. By the order of Sheikh Ubaidullah Hoja Ahror, Sufi Saint of the time. The new Jami Mosque was built on the same foundation. Sheik is from the Prophet Muhammad's lineage. The Sheikh decided to build the mosque before he shifts Tashkent to Samarkand. The unique shape of 15 meters cube which is a symbolic representation of the Holy Kaaba. Later on, using cupola and 4 windows the cube was shut down.
The Jami Mosque's interior and exterior were done in modest style. It is said that it was done to avoid people getting distracted from prayers and so that they concentrate on prayer. When Tashkent had low and less modern buildings. The Jami Mosque could be seen from any part of the city due to its modern construction and height.
Unfortunately, the mosque in 1868 was destroyed by the earthquake and the course of time either. The arches and domes are different from what we see now from the original look of the mosque. The original look of the mosque only can be seen from the photos. After the earthquake, the mosque had ceased all its functions for 20 years. Russian Emperor Alexander III, heavily invested in for the reconstruction. Jami Mosque is called Tsarist Mosque because it supported by the King of Russia. In 2003, the latest restoration added 3 cupolas and it is still functioning and calls people for Friday prayers.
There is no particular time to visit this place, but whenever you visit this place you are going to find peace and calmness. If you want to see more people performing prayer then you should visit on Friday. It completely different experience when you watch a number of people performing prayer in synchronicity.
No wonder why it is a national heritage and tourist landmark of Uzbekistan. It situated next to Chorsu Bazaar and metro station. This architectural design and beautiful colors explain very well why the status it deserves. When you visit the Jami Mosque you can feel the subtle peace and serenity it has to offer. It has that magnetic power to hold the visitor for longer durations. A person who is an admirer of art can find this place very interesting. Indeed, it is one of the best places to visit if you are on tour.
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There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry